newb from the UK

[leathermunchkin]

Hey guys im mark from the UK, i thought i would join this forum because im now a full time carer for my mrs and i need somthing more to do than just ride and play with motorcycles haha. i love the smell of leather but been watching a few youtube videos on how to choose tools and such :), the only thing im finding a problem is understanding the quailty of leather as ebay stuff never mentions if its 3oz or otherwise

i love the whole leather carving aspect im yet to learn to hand stich leather as thats what i would rather do than machine as it is more unique :).

i love the gun holsters but sadly being in the uk means i have next to no means to make them other than for cosplay im glad you guys have made this forum i spent about 12 hours on it last night just enjoying everything

[fredk]

Hi, you'll find plenty of info on here and plenty of folk willing to help and advise

We go by millimeters for leather in the UK. Tandy has this info page which converts oz to mm; https://www.tandyleather.eu/en/leather-craft-abcs.html

Start getting the Al Stohlman books. They can't be bettered. He has one just on hand stitching; https://www.tandyleather.eu/en/product/the-art-of-hand-sewing-leather-book   They might seem expensive but they are worth it

Be careful buying leather off ebay; many times you'll buy a small peice for 10x what its worth and for the same price you can buy a better bigger piece from one of the leather tanneries or retailers. Tandy is handy, but the likes of Le Prevo are more experienced and will give better advice

[bikermutt07]

Don't forget this book.

This book is wonderful. It will show all kinds of techniques, and even how to make a few tools from screwdrivers and such. Probably one of the best purchases I have made in leather work.

Also, being in England, check out Abbey's of England for supplies.

Welcome aboard.

[zuludog]

Welcome! Here are some assorted comments

Search YT, and this forum for past threads, espec Getting started & tools; as many as you have the stamina for

Ask your library for books on leathercraft, they usually have something, even if you have to order it

cutting mat - the usual green thing, at craft shops and The Works discount book shop. Get the biggest you can manage

Knife - lots to choose from, basically sharpen yourself or disposable blade. Start with a Stanley knife, you probably have one already. then as you gain experience  you can think more carefully if you want something else

Awl - aka diamond; harness; or saddlers awl. You will need one of these even if you get a stitching chisel. Traditionally you bought separate blade & haft then fitted & sharpened it yourself. This is a right pain and takes ages. Shop around for one that's ready to go. I think Bowstock & Tandy sell them for about a tenner. don't get the 4-in-1 awl sold by Tandy and others. It's expensive and not very good

round awl, aka scratch awl - used for general poking & prodding with holes & stitching, and marking patterns, though I usually use a pencil. Cheap enough

You will need to mark the position of stitches. Try a 2-prong 4mm chisel and take it from there. You can start off hitting chisels & tools with a steel hammer but this will eventually damage them, so get a soft hammer asap  - hide, plastic, or wood. Don't get a rubber mallet, they will bounce too much

Needles - Tandy are OK but many prefer John James #2. They're cheap enough to buy both

Thread - Synthetic or natural, ie linen? Ritza is popular, but expensive as you must buy a large roll. Some people, myself included, prefer linen. Get a small roll of natural 18/3 linen, and Tandy's nylon 1227-01, and see how you go

Tandy - this is a chain of hobby leather craft shops. As with any hobby enthusiasts will prefer specialist (& usually more expensive) brands, but this is a convenient place to start. If you're buying quite a few things in the near future it would probably be worth joining  their discount scheme. They have shop in Manchester; I have always found the staff to be pleasant & helpful, so you could give them a ring. They often have offers that are not on their regular website. Search t'Net for 'tandy leather manchester' and you will get the prices in £. Get on their email newsletter to hear of offers

Here are some other suppliers - artisan leather; bowstock; h webber; leprevo; abbey england; 

these are good on YT - Leodis Leather; Nigel Armitage; Leathertoolz 

Leather - start with 3mm veg tanned. At the moment Tandy Manchester have veg tan single shoulder #99606 - 03 on offer

Make your own strop from oddments of wood & leather, but get some proper stropping compound. This will be just about the easiest piece of leatherwork you will do

Edited March 18, 2018 by zuludog

[leathermunchkin]

12 hours ago, zuludog said:

Welcome! Here are some assorted comments

Search YT, and this forum for past threads, espec Getting started & tools; as many as you have the stamina for

Ask your library for books on leathercraft, they usually have something, even if you have to order it

cutting mat - the usual green thing, at craft shops and The Works discount book shop. Get the biggest you can manage

Knife - lots to choose from, basically sharpen yourself or disposable blade. Start with a Stanley knife, you probably have one already. then as you gain experience  you can think more carefully if you want something else

Awl - aka diamond; harness; or saddlers awl. You will need one of these even if you get a stitching chisel. Traditionally you bought separate blade & haft then fitted & sharpened it yourself. This is a right pain and takes ages. Shop around for one that's ready to go. I think Bowstock & Tandy sell them for about a tenner. don't get the 4-in-1 awl sold by Tandy and others. It's expensive and not very good

round awl, aka scratch awl - used for general poking & prodding with holes & stitching, and marking patterns, though I usually use a pencil. Cheap enough

You will need to mark the position of stitches. Try a 2-prong 4mm chisel and take it from there. You can start off hitting chisels & tools with a steel hammer but this will eventually damage them, so get a soft hammer asap  - hide, plastic, or wood. Don't get a rubber mallet, they will bounce too much

Needles - Tandy are OK but many prefer John James #2. They're cheap enough to buy both

Thread - Synthetic or natural, ie linen? Ritza is popular, but expensive as you must buy a large roll. Some people, myself included, prefer linen. Get a small roll of natural 18/3 linen, and Tandy's nylon 1227-01, and see how you go

Tandy - this is a chain of hobby leather craft shops. As with any hobby enthusiasts will prefer specialist (& usually more expensive) brands, but this is a convenient place to start. If you're buying quite a few things in the near future it would probably be worth joining  their discount scheme. They have shop in Manchester; I have always found the staff to be pleasant & helpful, so you could give them a ring. They often have offers that are not on their regular website. Search t'Net for 'tandy leather manchester' and you will get the prices in £. Get on their email newsletter to hear of offers

Here are some other suppliers - artisan leather; bowstock; h webber; leprevo; abbey england; 

these are good on YT - Leodis Leather; Nigel Armitage; Leathertoolz 

Leather - start with 3mm veg tanned. At the moment Tandy Manchester have veg tan single shoulder #99606 - 03 on offer

Make your own strop from oddments of wood & leather, but get some proper stropping compound. This will be just about the easiest piece of leatherwork you will do

Hey guys thank you for the amazing advice i will get some leatherworking books and such :D i had a look at tandys the other day and realised its not far from me the place in manchester :D

 

wow zuludog this is alot to take in and is pretty amazing :D, u have answered so many questions i had haha :D. you sure know your stuff :D. i have been looking at youtube at leather making videos and its so nice :D, i sure have my work cut out for me learning this craft but i can't wait to get started :D